Tyson salutes efforts of Team Rubicon

SPRINGDALE, Ark.— Tyson Foods Inc., as part of its partnership with Team Rubicon -- a military veterans’ group, unveiled a donated 53-foot semitrailer on July 1 to serve as the organization’s command center during disaster relief. Sleeping quarters and office and storage space for Team Rubicon’s staff and volunteers are included in the trailer.

Announced earlier this year, the partnership will combine Team Rubicon’s knowledge of logistics planning in the field with Tyson Foods’ experience in providing food to victims and aid workers.
The trailer made its debut during a company cookout where a Tyson Foods disaster relief cook team served meals similar to what the company would serve when assisting during a disaster. Tyson Foods will mobilize the unit alongside the company’s Meals that Matter disaster response unit, when needed, and will assist disaster victims and aid workers, according to a news release.

“I’ve seen firsthand what Team Rubicon does to help people in the wake of a disaster, and it’s truly amazing,” said Pat Bourke, manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for Tyson Foods. “There’s no doubt that this partnership will strengthen our own ability to feed victims and volunteers and enhance Team Rubicon’s recovery and cleanup efforts following a disaster.”

"Command and control must be established quickly during disasters to ensure that the most pressing needs are met, and this trailer will be a valuable resource," added Jake Wood, co-founder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "We are extremely grateful for Tyson Foods’ support of not only our mission, but the continued example they set by providing warm meals to communities in need."

Wood and fellow former Marine William McNulty established Team Rubicon in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. What makes it unique from other relief organizations is it combines the skills and experiences of veterans with those of first responders. Beyond helping disaster survivors, their work helps veterans reintegrate through continued service. Team Rubicon has grown in four years from eight to 16,000 members—most of whom are military veterans.

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